The Weather Outside is Frightful, but the Fire(s) On Demand are Delightful!

Winter this year is looking like it could be a doozy. Even in my hometown of Vancouver, we had our first snowfall (although people east of here might call it a “dusting”). Regardless, it’s the perfect weather to toss a log on the fire. This would be a great idea, except I live in a lovely condo with no fireplace – electric, gas or wood-burning.

Lucky for me I have options with Optik TV On Demand to help warm up my home. With the touch of a button I can make my living room cozy and festive. For many folks across BC and AB, the TELUS Fire log is part of an annual tradition of holiday atmosphere. This year, it might be time for a new tradition. Enter Modern Fireplace, a new addition to On Demand holiday programming.

Sleek and contemporary, Modern Fireplace will bring a new style to your living room: a marble and glass-encased fire hovering over crystal stones. Still prefer the traditional fire log? Share your thoughts on who should be king of the holiday fire and check out the Optik Fire Log vs. Modern Fireplace battle. You can vote for your favourite by tweeting @TELUS#firelogbattle. The battle itself may become a classic and it’s definitely worth the laugh.

If fire isn’t your thing, there are other options On Demand to spice up your holiday. If you live in a condo like I do, you may not be permitted to have a real tree – but fear not, you can watch Christmas Tree, a grand tree complete with shiny wrapped gifts and a choo-choo train, or enjoy a scenery of falling snowflakes in Snow Globe Village.

While you’re surfing through what seasonal ambient videos to watch On Demand, you’ll also find classic holiday favourites like, Elf (which I will be watching on Christmas Eve with my nephew and nieces), A Christmas Story and Love Actually. Also, don’t forget to check out what Santa is doing on Santa Tracker. You can visit the North Pole, get a note from Santa or play games… it’s a big hit with my nephew who thinks elves are spying on him. Whatever you choose, I’m sure you’ll be laughing all the way (is this a bad joke or too much eggnog?).

That’s the magic of holiday programming. Who knew I could take my television and turn it into an interactive holiday playground or HD ambient work of art? Happy Holidays form all your friends at Optik TV!

Prem Gill, Director, Content for TELUS, is a passionate ambassador for local content creation and loves to urban farm. She was named in a Globe and Mail article referencing the Globe’s power list of 10 women who matter in English Canada as film and content creators and decision makers. A member of the TELUS team since 2008, she drives the development of content for Optik Local community programming, which is available On Demand to Optik TV customers and publicly through the Optik Local website.